Collective vision

Cathy MacLean

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What is basic science?
Elisabeth Gold

Published on: 03 February 2010

Published on: (3 February 2010)
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What is basic science?
Elisabeth Gold, physician
I enjoyed and agree with much of Cathy MacLean's President's Message on Collective vision. I want to clarify the term "basic science" which she mentions in her second paragraph and in the box with the list of Topics of the 10 recommendations as number 3.
We are having an ongoing discussion here at Dalhousie University medical school as we undergo curriculum renewal. To quote Lynette Reid, bioethics, "what...
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I enjoyed and agree with much of Cathy MacLean's President's Message on Collective vision. I want to clarify the term "basic science" which she mentions in her second paragraph and in the box with the list of Topics of the 10 recommendations as number 3.
We are having an ongoing discussion here at Dalhousie University medical school as we undergo curriculum renewal. To quote Lynette Reid, bioethics, "what we say is that there are many sciences fundamental or basic to the practice of medicine: epidemiological, basic, human, and social sciences are all basic to the practice of medicine. So whenever someone says "basic sciences" in the old sense, "biomedical sciences" may be a better description since we're all basic scientists in a broad range of disciplines. For example, basic science may include the research base behind patient experience, in sociology, anthropology, and psychology, as well as through the humanities."
Clarifying this language is important in allowing all sciences relevant to medicine to be valued and incorporated into medical education in ways necessary for today's doctors including family doctors.
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Competing Interests: None declared.